T-Mobile offers up LTE iPads for the price of Wi-Fi models, free data through 2014

Yesterday T-Mobile introduced a new Simple Starter plan that could get you in the cellular door at $40/month, and today they're shaking things up again by reducing the price of the iPad + cellular to match that of their Wi-Fi-only siblings. Additionally, T-Mobile customers that activate a new iPad will get 1.2GB of free LTE data through the end of 2014.

Traditionally, LTE iPads have cost significantly more than Wi-Fi only models, usually around $130 more thanks to the added radio chipsets, antennas, and profit margins. T-Mobile is absorbing that cost as well as serving up upwards nearly 10GB of free data (at a monthly rate totally approximately $160 through the end of the year). T-Mobile will still offer 200MB free once the calendar flips over to 2015, though they're counting on hooking you with the free data that you won't be able to live without it by then. Assuming you have T-Mobile coverage where you live

Press release:

Day 2 of 3: T-Mobile Unleashes You to Experience Tablets Beyond the Wi-Fi Zone-For Free

T-Mobile becomes the only major national carrier or retailer offering LTE tablets for the price of Wi-Fi-only models. And now get free data through 2014 when you add tablets to your voice plans.

BELLEVUE, Wash. - April 10, 2014 -T-Mobile US, Inc. (NYSE: TMUS) has revealed the second in a series of rapid-fire initiatives designed to advance the Un-carrier consumer revolution on multiple fronts. The company today launched Operation Tablet Freedom, a program that lets you add a tablet to your postpaid voice plan for free. Beginning April 12th, customers can get nearly 1.2 GB of free 4G LTE data every month through 2014 on America's fastest nationwide LTE network.

With the announcement, T-Mobile said the company is launching a full-on assault against the restrictions and pain points that keep tablet owners from experiencing life beyond the Wi-Fi zone. First, cellular-enabled 4G LTE tablets are more expensive than Wi-Fi-only models. Second, even if you've put down the extra money for that cellular-enabled tablet, committing to a long-term data plan for it can be pretty intimidating. And, finally, most people with tablets are stuck with their old Wi-Fi only model, and those who do have cellular models are often stuck in overpriced carrier contracts.

"With this announcement, T-Mobile's launching a full-on assault against the restrictions and pain points that keep tablet owners from experiencing life beyond the Wi-Fi zone," Said John Legere, president and CEO of T-Mobile. "The Un-carrier is all about solving pain points, and today we're eliminating every reason to be stuck on an unconnected Wi-Fi-only tablet. There's no longer any need to limit the use of your tablet because you're intimidated by Big Blue, Bad Red or Bumbling Yellow. "

"Starting right now, you can live life beyond the Wi-Fi zone and stay connected. Use your tablet virtually anywhere, anytime you want without fear," said Mike Sievert, Chief Marketing Officer for T-Mobile. "In an era when tablets are outselling PC's, this new 4G LTE tablet offer at Wi-Fi only prices, coupled with nearly 1.2GB data for the rest of this year, we're removing every reason that would keep you from getting your first tablet or trading in your old one right now at T-Mobile."

Today the vast majority of American tablet owners are stuck on Wi-Fi or stuck in carrier contracts. That's about to change.

If you're stuck on Wi-Fi, you can now come to T-Mobile and upgrade to a 4G LTE-enabled model for nothing down and pay no more than you'd pay for the cheaper Wi-Fi-only model, with any postpaid activation on a 1GB or more mobile internet plan with no annual service contract. For example, pay the Wi-Fi price of $499 instead of $630 for the 4G LTE-enabled 16GB iPad Air. Or pay the Wi-Fi price of $200 instead of $312 for the 4G LTE Samsung Tab 3. Voice customers adding the 1GB tablet plan for free for the rest of 2014 also fully qualify for these reduced prices.

If you're stuck in a contract with your old carrier, the Un-carrier will pay every penny of your early termination fees (ETFs) when you make the switch to T-Mobile. Just bring in your tablets to receive an instant credit based on their value. Then purchase any tablet at the new lower same-as-Wi-Fi prices. Customers may even qualify for zero down financing with 24 monthly payments. After receiving the final bill from your old carrier showing your ETFs, just mail it in or upload it to www.switch2tmobile.com. T-Mobile then sends an additional payment covering every last penny of those fees.

And, for both new and existing customers, T-Mobile is offering $10 off its most popular internet data plans starting April 12th through the end of 2014. For voice customers, what that means is you can get up to 1GB of 4G LTE data free every month through the end of the year. Combined with the 200 MB of free data you already automatically get every month with T-Mobile's previously announced "Free Data for Life" offer that comes to nearly 1.2GB of free 4G LTE data every month through the end of 2014. If you love living beyond the Wi-Fi zone - and want to keep enjoying that tablet freedom beyond 2014 - you can get it starting at just $10 a month with voice service next year.

And whether you are an individual or small business customer, you can take advantage of all of the above plus enjoy all the benefits of our Simple Choice plan with no annual service contracts, no overage charges while on T-Mobile's lightning fast network, no upgrade hassles with T-Mobile's revolutionary JUMP!(TM) program, and with "the world as your network at no extra charge".

For more information on what the Un-carrier has been up to lately, check out President and CEO of T-Mobile, John Legere's recent blog posted today.

Limited time offer. Taxes & fees addit'l. Fastest LTE network based on download speeds. Wi-Fi tablet comparison based on manufacturer's suggested retail price. Up to 3 tablets per account. Qualifying service & device purchase with port-in required for ETF payment. 200 MB free data avail. every 30 days for as long as you own and use registered device with T-Mobile. No roaming. Qualifying postpaid voice and mobile Internet service required for free 1GB of data. See T-Mobile.com for specific offer and service details